Dyslexia Tutoring Case Study: Rebecca’s Rise as a Reader
Student Profile
- Name: Rebecca (pseudonym)
- Age: 9 (at intake)
- Grade Level: 4th Grade
- Diagnoses: Dyslexia, ADHD
- Duration of Support: 9 months
- Frequency: 2 sessions per week
- Format: Virtual sessions
- Focus Areas: Orton-Gillingham tutoring
Background
Rebecca, a third grader with dyslexia and ADHD, began tutoring with Strive Learning Solutions in Winter 2024 reading well below grade level. While she was naturally intelligent and curious, she lacked confidence as a reader. During our goal setting process, Rebecca set two simple (yet challenging) goals: to read at grade level and to be able to read a full chapter book independently.
In Take
At intake, Rebecca struggled with decoding any words that were greater than five letters. She especially struggled with her long vowel patterns, as well as common suffixes. She tested at a first grade spelling level. Additionally, she had challenges decoding multisyllabic words, reading less than ⅓ of them correctly.
While Rebecca was strong at decoding and spelling 3-5 letter words, her confidence took a hit when attempting to reading more challenging, grade level words.
Our Work Together
Based on Rebecca’s assessment data, We created a personalized learning plan, focusing on:
- Explicit Phonics: Focus primarily on digraphs, vowel teams, and common affixes.
- Spelling: Using multisensory methods to help her spell challenging words.
- Reading Fluency: Build speed and accuracy through repeated readings and readers theater scripts
- Multisyllabic Word Practice: Systematic practice decoding and encoding words by syllable type
A Typical Session for Rebecca
- A quick warm-up with familiar phonograms
- A short lesson introducing a new pattern or sound
- Practice blending and spelling multi-syllabic words
- Fluency practice using short, readable texts and readers theater scripts
- A game Rebecca picked to end on a high note
Rebecca’s instruction was tailored specifically to her current level, her needs, and her goals. Just as we do for all of our students, we created a Progress Report to show her parents what we’re working on and the growth she was making.
The Transformation
In just six months, Rebecca gained more than a full grade level in reading and three grade levels in spelling! Not only did Rebecca make great progress, but her parents also commented on how much more confident and willing of a reader Rebecca had become.
| Skill Area | Winter 2024 | Summer 2025 |
| Reading Grade Level | 3.0 | 4.1 |
| Fluency | 84 Words Per Minute | 109 Words Per Minute |
| Spelling Grade Level | 1.0 | 4.0 |
Takeaways
Rebecca’s success story shows what happens when children with dyslexia receive high-quality support from an Orton-Gillingham-trained specialist. With consistent, expert support:
- Hesitant readers become confident
- Massive learning gaps close
- Children begin to love reading (again)
Rebecca’s story is one of many that shows students with dyslexia can become confident, skilled readers, so long as they receive the right support. With student-centered, neurodivergent-affirming tutoring, struggling students can improve in both their skills and their confidence.
What Could Your Child Achieve with the Right Academic Support?
If your child is struggling with reading or spelling, early, targeted intervention makes all the difference. At Strive, we specialize in one-on-one instruction that’s built for how your child learns, offering services both in-person and Denver and virtual wherever, with consistent communication, real progress updates, and zero guesswork.
We make OG tutoring as easy as possible, seamlessly working with your schedule to help your child make significant progress.
You don’t have to navigate your child’s learning challenges alone. Let’s talk about how we can support your child’s growth—academically and emotionally. If you’re ready to see what’s possible for your child, inquire today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Orton-Gillingham tutoring help struggling readers?
The Orton-Gillingham approach uses multisensory learning, engaging sight, sound, and touch, to help students retain reading and spelling patterns. Lessons are systematic and cumulative, ensuring students master each step before moving to the next.
How long does it take to see progress in reading tutoring?
Progress varies, but students often begin to see meaningful growth within a few months of consistent instruction. Rebecca gained fluency, accuracy, and confidence by building strong reading habits and celebrating small wins along the way.
Does Strive Learning Solutions offer reading tutoring for students in Denver?
Yes, we provide reading and dyslexia tutoring using the Orton-Gillingham approach throughout the Denver Metro area—including Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Golden—and virtually for families anywhere.
